System for improving the balance of a person

ABSTRACT

A system for improving the balance of a person while in a standing position, transitioning between a sitting and a standing position, or while performing various recreational or other activities which require precise balancing comprises a gyrostabilizer, and a support for holding the gyrostabilizer. The support is either in the form of a belt to be coupled to a user&#39;s torso, or in the form of a walking cane to be gripped by a hand of the user in order to steady the user while using the gyrostabilizer.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to devices for stabilizing the balance ofa person, and more particularly relates to a system employing agyrostabilizer for improving balance while in a standing orwalking-position, while transitioning between a sitting position and astanding position, or while performing various recreational or otheractivities which require precise balancing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Devices have been developed for stabilizing various movements of thehuman body. For example, devices recently have begun to employgyrostabilizers for stabilizing tremors in the human body.Gyrostabilizers have already been used for decades to stabilize sightingdevices such as binoculars, cameras or other handheld equipment. See,for example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,811,042 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,006,197, thedisclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference.

The recent use of gyrostabilizers for stabilizing tremors is disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 6,730,049 B2 (“the '049 patent”), the disclosure ofwhich is herein incorporated by reference. The '049 patent is directedto a tunable and adjustable device for stabilizing tremors. The deviceincludes a rigid splint for receiving a patient's hand, wrist andforearm, and at least one gyroscope removably and rigidly attachable tothe splint and positionable for countereffecting the tremors.

However, the aforementioned devices do not address the need forproviding overall stabilization to the human body while, for example, ina standing or walking position. Moreover, such prior devices do notaddress the need to improve stability to a person while the person istransitioning between a sitting or lying position and a standing orwalking position.

It is therefore a general object of the present invention to provide asystem for overcoming the above-mentioned drawbacks and disadvantages ofprior stabilizing devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A system for improving the balance of a person while in a standingposition or transitioning between a sitting and a standing positioncomprises at least one gyrostabilizer, and a support for holding thegyrostabilizer. The support is adapted to communicate with either atorso or a hand of a user so as to steady the user while using thegyrostabilizer.

The system is also useful while performing various recreational or otheractivities that require precise balancing such as, for example, running,bicycling, skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, ice skating,in-line skating, roller skating and skateboarding. The system can alsobe incorporated into a prosthesis such as, for example, a leg to providefurther stability.

In one embodiment, the support includes a belt for being attached to thewaist of a user. The gyrostabilizer is coupled to the belt so as to bedisposed preferably at the front of a user when wearing the belt. Anelongated handle, to further steady the user, may be coupled to thegyrostabilizer such that the elongated handle laterally extends to eachside of a user for gripping by both hands when the belt is worn by auser. The system can also comprise shoulder straps coupled to the beltsuch as, for example, in a crisscross configuration for preventing thebelt from sagging under the weight of the gyrostabilizer coupledthereto. A battery power source, preferably rechargeable, can beprovided to communicate with and energize the gyrostabilizer.

In a second embodiment of the present invention, the support includes awalking cane defining a housing. The gyrostabilizer is disposed withinthe housing. A battery power source communicates with and energizes thegyrostabilizer. The battery power source can be disposed within thehousing or be disposed externally of the housing.

The foregoing and other advantages of the present invention will becomemore apparent in light of the following detailed description of theexemplary embodiments thereof, as illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1. is a schematic front perspective view of a system forstabilizing the balance of a person in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic rear perspective view of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a gyrostabilizer and components formaintaining power to the gyrostabilizer in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is front view of a gyrostabilizer incorporating an elongatedhandle in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a system for stabilizing the balance ofa person in accordance with a second embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5B is an exploded perspective view of the system of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C is a partially broken away perspective view of the system ofFIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a system for stabilizing the balance ofa person in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6B is an exploded perspective view of the system of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C is a partially broken away perspective view of the system ofFIG. 6A.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a system for stabilizing the balance ofa person in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7B is an exploded perspective view of the system of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7C is a partially broken away perspective view of the system ofFIG. 7A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a system for improving the balance of aperson is indicated generally by the reference number 10. Specifically,the system 10 is useful for improving the balance of a person while in astanding or walking position, as well as for improving balance when aperson is transitioning between a lying down or sitting position and astanding position. The system 10 is also useful while performing variousrecreational or other activities that require precise balancing such as,for example, running, bicycling, skiing, cross-country skiing,snowboarding, ice skating, in-line skating, roller skating andskateboarding. The system 10 can also be incorporated into a prosthesissuch as, for example, a leg to provide further stability.

The system 10 comprises a belt 12 for being worn around the waist of auser, at least one gyrostabilizer 14, and a battery power source 16. Thebelt 12 may be secured by a suitable fastener such as, for example, abuckle, a snap-fit connector, or hook and loop fasteners. Thegyrostabilizer 14 is either permanently or detachably coupled to thebelt 12 such that the gyrostabilizer is preferably located at a front ofthe user when wearing the belt. The battery power source 16 is eitherpermanently or detachably coupled to the belt 12 such that the batterypower source is preferably located behind the user when wearing thebelt. However, the battery power source 16 can be located at otherpositions such as the front or side of the user without departing fromthe scope of the present invention. Shoulder straps 18 may bepermanently or detachably coupled to the belt 12 for preventing the beltfrom sagging when supporting the gyrostabilizer 14. As shown in FIG. 1,the shoulder straps 18 form a crisscross pattern, but may take otherpractical forms without departing from the scope of the presentinvention.

The gyrostabilizer 14 is preferably a Kenyon Gyro Stabilizermanufactured by Kenyon Laboratories of Essex, Conn. A detaileddiscussion of the function of gyrostabilizers can be found in U.S. Pat.No. 2,811,042 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,006,197, the disclosures of which areherein incorporated by reference. Such gyrostabilizers employ gyrostypically to resist side-to-side movement (yaw) and up-and-down movement(pitch).

An advantage of employing gyrostabilizers, such as the Kenyongyrostabilizers or the like, as a stabilizing component is that suchgyrostabilizers internally operate two gyroscopic flywheels which areconfigured in parallel, yet in opposing axes to each other. When theflywheels moving at their normal operating speed, e.g., 22,000 rpm, thedual flywheel configuration resists both pitch and yaw when thegyrostabilizer 14 is coupled to the belt 12. Furthermore, suchgyrostabilizers have springs within each unit that permit precession, aswell as conduct electricity to the gyroscopic flywheels.

Any size gyrostabilizer may be employed as long as the user can sustainthe weight of the gyrostabilizer. The heavier the gyrostabilizer and/orincreasing the rpms of the flywheel(s), the more countereffect thegyrostabilizer will provide. The size of the gyrostabilizer should beselected depending on the degree of the user's need for balancecorrection, and the total amount of weight the user may be required tosupport or is capable of supporting. For instance, if the user's tremorsor difficulty in balancing is not substantial, it is better to employthe lightest and most compact sized gyrostabilizer. If the user'stremors or imbalance is significant, it is more appropriate to employ aheavier gyrostabilizer or one that has an increased rpm rate for itsflywheel(s), which is more resistant to stronger forces.

A number of various sized gyrostabilizers manufactured by KenyonLaboratories can be employed such as, for example, the “Explorer KS-2”,“Universal KS-4”, “Commander KS-6”, and “Admiral KS-8”, each of whichare briefly described below.

The “Explorer KS-2” is the lightest and most compact gyrostabilizeravailable from Kenyon Laboratories. This unit is ideal for users thathave weak tremors or slight balance problems. The KS-2 is 2.8″ indiameter, is 4.5″ long, and weighs 1.5 lbs (24 oz.). It is preferablypowered by the battery power source 16 such as, for example, a KP-6battery powerpack (also available from Kenyon Laboratories) whichprovides electricity at 115 volts, 400 Hz AC. The KS-2 requires 28 wattsfor starting and 20 watts for running after 12 minutes from start-up,and can run on a fully charged KP-6 powerpack for 6 hours.

The “Universal KS-4” provides ultra heavy metal gyro rims which enablemaximum stabilization in a minimum casing size. This unit is 2.8″ indiameter and is 4.5″ long. The KS4 weighs 2.13 lbs (34 oz.) and ispreferably powered by the battery power source 16 such as, for example,a KP-4 battery powerpack which is also available from KenyonLaboratories. The KP-4 provides electricity at 115 volts and 400 Hz AC.The KS4 requires 14 watts for starting, 8 watts for running after 10minutes from start-up, and can run on a fully charged KP-4 power packfor 5 hours.

The “Commander KS-6” is a more robust gyrostabilizer which is employedwhen the user's tremors or balance problems are more violent andfrequent. The KS-6 provides almost twice the stabilization of the KS-4.However, the tradeoff is that the unit's size and weight tends to bemore burdensome. It is 3.4″ in diameter, is 5.8″ long and weighs 3.25lbs. (52 oz.). The KS-6 is preferably powered by the battery powersource 16 such as, for example, a KP-6 power pack which is alsomanufactured by Kenyon Laboratories. The KP-6 battery powerpack provideselectricity at 115 volts and 400 Hz AC. The KS-6 requires 28 watts whenstarting, runs on 20 watts after 10 minutes, and can run for 2.5 hourson a fully charged KP-6 powerpack.

The “Admiral KS-8” is a heavier and more powerful gyrostabilizermanufactured by Kenyon Laboratories. This unit can be employed insituations where the user has the most violent and severe tremors orbalance problems, but yet still has the strength to be able to supportthe heavier weight of the KS-8, which is 5.13 lbs (82 oz.). Through theuse of heavy metal tungsten flywheels, the effect of two KS-6 units canbe achieved in a standard KS-6 housing, with no increase in runningpower required. The KS-8 is preferably powered by the battery powersource 16 such as, for example, a KP-6 battery powerpack which provideselectricity at 115 volts and 400 Hz AC. The KS-8 requires 28 watts whenstarting, runs on 20 watts after 12 minutes, and can run for 2.5 hourson a fully charged KP-6 powerpack.

With reference to FIG. 3, the gyrostabilizer 14, as mentioned above, canbe powered to be run off of a battery power source 16 (e.g., 12 voltpowerpack manufactured by Kenyon Laboratories) and which is providedwith a shoulder strap 20 for ease of portability. The battery powersource 16 may be charged with a battery charger 22. Examples of chargersare 12 hour 115 V/230 V, and 3 hour 115 V/230 V chargers supplied byKenyon Laboratories. The gyrostabilizer 14 may be alternativelyenergized by an external 12 volt power source provided, for example, ina plane, train, car, or boat.

Some gyrostabilizers, such as the Kenyon Gyro Stabilizers, may use ACelectricity (e.g., 115 V, 400 Hz). In this case, a small inverter 24 maybe included as part of the battery power source 16 to access the DCpower from the source. Examples of inverters that may be used are singleoutput, two output, and four output inverters powered by 12 VDC or 24VDC and supplied by Kenyon Laboratories.

In operation, the belt 12 is fastened to a user with the gyrostabilizer14 preferably coupled to the belt at the front of the user. The batterypower source 16 is connected to the gyrostabilizer 14 and is preferablycoupled to the belt 12 behind the user. A few minutes prior to puttingon the belt 12, the user may turn on the gyrostabilizer 14 and allow thegyro wheels therein to come up to full rotational speed.

With reference to FIG. 4, the gyrostabilizer 14 can be adapted toinclude an elongated handle 26 preferably fixedly coupled thereto alongan upper surface thereof. The handle 26, to further steady the user,laterally extends to each side of the user for gripping by both handswhen the belt 12, and gyrostabilizer 14 coupled thereto, is worn by theuser or otherwise is in an operative position.

The system 10 is beneficial for persons suffering from cerebral palsy,shaking or other tremor type ailments. The purpose of system 10 is tohelp a person improve balance while standing, walking, getting up from abed or chair, as well as to lessen the reliance on a cane.

It has been discovered that a gyrostabilizer attached to the body helpsin the ability to balance. The body muscles resist the gyrostabilizer toaid in balancing so as to be useful not just for tremors or disabilityinjuries, but also for any balance issues such as learning to ride abicycle, sea sickness, inner ear problems, or resistance training inphysical rehabilitation.

The gyrostabilizer is in effect trying to stay in one attitude in space.When an irregular movement is imparted to the gyrostabilizer it resiststhat movement and this resistance is felt by the muscles, via thenerves, imposing such a movement. In this manner the muscles have aresistant reaction so as to stay neutral to the resistance which is whatenables the body as a whole to stay aware of the attitude it is in. Inother words, the gyrostabilizer is giving the muscles a signal tocompensate for the resistance that the gyrostabilizer has. The mind andthe muscles act upon the resistance that the gyrostabilizer provides tomake the nerves and the muscles resist the gyrostabilizer's precession.In summary, the gyrostabilizer is training muscles, nerves and brain.Muscle memory is improved to enable patient to better move about withoutthe need for other aids.

With reference to FIGS. 5A through 5C, a system for stabilizing thebalance of a person in accordance with a second embodiment of thepresent invention is indicated generally by the reference number 100.The system comprises a walking cane 102, a gyrostabilizer 104 and abattery power source 106. The walking cane 102 defines at least onechamber for accommodating the gyrostabilizer 104 and the battery powersource 106. As shown in FIG. 5B, the cane 102 includes an upper portion108 having a handle 109, a middle portion 110 and a lower portion 112.The upper portion 108 and the middle portion 110 are removably coupledto one another and cooperate to define a first chamber 114 foraccommodating the gyrostabilizer 104. Similarly, the middle portion 110and the lower portion 112 are removably coupled to one another andcooperate to define a second chamber 116 for accommodating the batterypower source 106.

With reference to FIGS. 6A through 6C, a system for stabilizing thebalance of a person in accordance with a third embodiment of the presentinvention is indicated generally by the reference number 200. The systemcomprises a walking cane 202, a gyrostabilizer 204 and a battery powersource 206. The walking cane 202 defines a chamber 208 for accommodatingthe gyrostabilizer 204. As shown in FIG. 6B, the cane 202 includes anupper portion 210 having a handle 211, and a lower portion 212. Theupper portion 210 and the lower portion 212 are removably coupled to oneanother and cooperate to define the chamber 208 for accommodating thegyrostabilizer 204. The battery power source 206 is disposed externallyof the walking cane 202 and is coupled to the gyrostabilizer 204 via apower cord 214. Preferably, the battery power source 206 is coupled to abelt 216 such that the battery power source is carried behind a userwhen wearing the belt.

With reference to FIGS. 7A through 7C, a system for stabilizing thebalance of a person in accordance with a fourth embodiment of thepresent invention is indicated generally by the reference number 300.The system comprises a walking cane 302, a first gyrostabilizer 304, asecond gyrostabilizer 306 and a battery power source 308. The walkingcane 302 defines at least one chamber for holding the gyrostabilizers304, 306. As shown in FIG. 7B, the cane 302 includes an upper portion310 having a handle 311, a middle portion 312 and a lower portion 314.The upper portion 310 and the middle portion 312 are removably coupledto one another and cooperate to define a first chamber 316 foraccommodating the first gyrostabilizer 304. Similarly, the middleportion 312 and the lower portion 314 are removably coupled to oneanother and cooperate to define a second chamber 318 for accommodatingthe second gyrostabilizer 306. The battery power source 308 is disposedexternally of the walking cane 302 and is coupled to the first andsecond gyrostabilizers 304, 306 via a power cord 320. Preferably, thebattery power source 308 is coupled to a belt 322 such that the batterypower source is carried behind a user when wearing the belt.

The systems shown in FIGS. 5-7 employ gyrostabilizers to stabilize acane or prosthesis to be used in aiding a person in walking who needs acane or canes. A conventional cane shakes or wiggles when used by aperson who has ailments such as cerebral palsy and other tremor typeailments. A four prong cane is never on all four prongs when walking.The cane is also dragged as it leans over. A suction cup type cane doesbasically the same thing. It is always on the rim of the cup. It isnever completely vertical unless with undue effort.

A cane employing a gyrostabilizer in accordance with the presentinvention tends to remain upright (vertical). The cane resists movementin the pitch (x-coordinate) and yaw (y-coordinate) directions, and doesnot resist movement in the up and down direction (z-coordinate).

The canes described above preferably employ Kenyon Gyro Stabilizers,each of which typically includes two gyro wheels placed back to back soas to be spinning in opposite directions relative to each other. Thegyro wheels are suspended in a gimbal arrangement, which precess whenforce is applied to the case. Both wheels work together to stabilizeboth pitch and yaw. Two or more gyros can be used. The number of gyrosused is limited by the weight of the cane.

The gyros used in the gyrostabilizers are preferably heavy metal type.Stabilization is preferably mass type. The use of a gyrostabilizer witha cane has the same benefits to people with tremor type ailments orbalancing problems as does the use of a gyrostabilizer with a belt.Moreover, it has been discovered that the improved balance remains forup to ten days after stopping the use of the gyrostabilizers.

As will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art,numerous modifications and substitutions may be made to theabove-described embodiments of the present invention without departingfrom the scope of the invention. For example, gyrostabilizers can alsobe used to stabilize a prosthesis such as a leg. Accordingly, thepreceding portion of this specification is to be taken in anillustrative, as opposed to a limiting sense.

1. A system for improving the balance of a person, the systemcomprising: at least one gyrostabilizer; and a support for holding theat least one gyrostabilizer, the support being adapted to communicatewith one of a torso and a hand of a user so as to steady the user whileusing the at least one gyrostabilizer.
 2. A system as defined in claim1, wherein the support includes a belt for being attached to the waistof a user.
 3. A system as defined in claim 2, wherein the at least onegyrostabilizer is coupled to the belt so as to be disposed at the frontof a user when wearing the belt.
 4. A system as defined in claim 2,further comprising an elongated handle coupled to the gyrostabilizersuch that the elongated handle laterally extends to each side of a userfor gripping by both hands to further steady the user.
 5. A system asdefined in claim 2, further comprising shoulder straps coupled to thebelt.
 6. A system as defined in claim 5, wherein the shoulder strapsform a crisscross configuration.
 7. A system as defined in claim 2,further comprising a power source to communicate with and energize theat least one gyrostabilizer.
 8. A system as defined in claim 7, whereinthe power source is a battery power source.
 9. A system as defined inclaim 8, wherein the battery power source is rechargeable.
 10. A systemas defined in claim 1, wherein the support includes a walking cane. 11.A system as defined in claim 10, wherein the walking cane defines atleast one chamber, and wherein the at least one gyrostabilizer is to beaccommodated within the at least one chamber.
 12. A system as defined inclaim 11, further comprising a power source to communicate with andenergize the at least one gyrostabilizer, the power source to beaccommodated within the at least one chamber.
 13. A system as defined inclaim 12, wherein the power source is a battery power source.
 14. Asystem as defined in claim 13, wherein the battery power source isrechargeable.
 15. A system for improving the balance of a person, thesystem comprising: a belt; and at least one gyrostabilizer to be coupledto the belt so as to steady a user while wearing the at least onegyrostabilizer.
 16. A system as defined in claim 15, further comprisingshoulder straps coupled to the belt.
 17. A system as defined in claim16, wherein the shoulder straps form a crisscross configuration.
 18. Asystem as defined in claim 15, wherein the at least one gyrostabilizeris coupled to the belt so as to be disposed at the front of a user whenwearing the belt.
 19. A system as defined in claim 15, furthercomprising an elongated handle coupled to the gyrostabilizer such thatthe elongated handle laterally extends to each side of a user forgripping by both hands to further steady the user.
 20. A system asdefined in claim 15, further comprising a power source to communicatewith and energize the at least one gyrostabilizer.
 21. A system asdefined in claim 20, wherein the power source is coupled to the belt soas to be disposed behind a user when wearing the belt.
 22. A system asdefined in claim 20, wherein the power source is a battery power source.23. A system as defined in claim 22, wherein the battery power source isrechargeable.
 24. A system for improving the balance of a person, thesystem comprising: a walking cane defining at least one chamber; and atleast one gyrostabilizer to be accommodated within the at least onechamber.
 25. A system as defined in claim 24, wherein the at least onegyrostabilizer includes two gyrostabilizers to be accommodated withinthe at least one chamber.
 26. A system as defined in claim 24, furthercomprising a power source to communicate with and energize the at leastone gyrostabilizer, the power source to be accommodated within the atleast one chamber.
 27. A system as defined in claim 26, wherein thepower source is a battery power source.
 28. A system as defined in claim27, wherein the battery power source is rechargeable.
 29. A system asdefined in claim 24, wherein the walking cane includes an upper portion,a middle portion and a lower portion, the at least one chamber includesfirst and second chambers, the upper portion and the middle portioncooperating to define the first chamber, and the middle portion and thelower portion cooperating to define the second chamber.
 30. A system asdefined in claim 29, wherein the at least one gyrostabilizer is to beaccommodated in one of the chambers, and further including a powersource to communicate with and energize the at least one gyrostabilizer,the power source to be accommodated in the other of the chambers.
 31. Asystem as defined in claim 29, wherein the at least one gyrostabilizerincludes first and second gyrostabilizer, the first gyrostabilizer to beaccommodated in the first chamber, and the second gyrostabilizer to beaccommodated in the second chamber.
 32. A system as defined in claim 31,further comprising a power source to communicate with and energize theat least one gyrostabilizer, the power source to be disposed externallyof the walking cane.
 33. A system as defined in claim 32, wherein thepower source is a battery power source.
 34. A system as defined in claim33, wherein the battery power source is rechargeable.
 35. A system asdefined in claim 32, further comprising a belt to be coupled to thepower source.
 36. A system as defined in claim 24, wherein the walkingcane includes an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portionand the lower portion cooperating to define the at least one chamber.37. A system as defined in claim 36, further comprising a power sourceto communicate with and energize the at least one gyrostabilizer, thepower source to be disposed externally of the walking cane.
 38. A systemas defined in claim 37, wherein the power source is a battery powersource.
 39. A system as defined in claim 38, wherein the battery powersource is rechargeable.
 40. A system as defined in claim 37, furthercomprising a belt to be coupled to the power source.